InsightsWhy Psychological Safety Is the Hidden Engine Behind Innovation and TransformationMichelle BonterreJuly 29, 2025pogonici/ShutterstockIn brief:Psychological safetyis crucial for team success, allowing members to take interpersonal risks without fear of embarrassment or retribution. This environment fosters honest problem-solving and innovation.Leadership behaviorsthat promote psychological safety include framing work as learning opportunities, inviting participation, and responding productively to feedback.Balancing psychological safety and high standardsis essential for high performance. A culture that encourages speaking up while maintaining excellence leads to better outcomes.Last month, I had the privilege of attending Harvard Business Impacts annual Partners Meeting, where Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, delivered an energizing keynote on psychological safety. Her session, Psychological Safety: The Essential Underpinning of Successful Transformation, left a lasting impression and a renewed sense of urgency about the environments we create for our teams.At its core, psychological safety is the belief that a team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking, that you can ask a question, admit a mistake, or challenge an idea without fear of embarrassment or retribution. And while the concept isnt new, Amy reminded us that in todays VUCA world, its more essential than ever.Professor Amy C. Edmondson delivering a keynote at Harvard Business Impacts 2025 Partners Meeting.Interpersonal Risk Translates Into Business RiskAmy told a story about a company poised to lose billions that stuck with me. No one wanted to admit what wasnt working. It wasnt until one leader dared to speak up that the floodgates of honest problem-solving opened.It underscored her key point: Interpersonal risk translates into business risk. When employees are afraid to speak up, we miss out on insights, preventable mistakes go unchecked, and opportunities for innovation are lost.High-Quality Conversations Are a Leadership SkillSo how do we create the conditions for psychological safety?Amy broke it down into three simple leadership behaviors:Frame the Work: Reframe challenges as learning opportunities, not tests of competence. For example, Weve never done this before, and well need everyones input to get it right.Invite Participation: Ask good questionslike Who has a different perspective?to signal that dissent is not only welcomed but needed.Respond Productively: React with appreciation and forward-thinking, even when the news is hard. Instead of How did this happen?, say, Thanks for that insight. How can we help?Psychological Safety and High Standards Are Not OppositesOne of the most powerful insights from the session was that psychological safety and high standards arent in tension; they are both required for high performance. Without safety, teams may appear agreeable but remain silent. Without standards, teams may feel comfortable but lack rigor. The sweet spot? A culture where its safe to speak up and where everyone is committed to excellence.Reflection: What Kind of Environment Are You Creating for Your Employees?Amy asked us to reflect on our own behavior:Do people around you feel permission to be candid?Do your meetings make people smarter or quieter?Are you actively listening for the idea that was never shared?These arent soft skills. Theyre leadership imperatives in a world that demands constant learning, experimentation, and course correction.Final ThoughtPsychological safety isnt a policy; its a climate. And as Amy reminded us, its not the goal itself but the necessary foundation for everything that matters: innovation, quality, resilience, and transformation.If we want our organizations to thrive in uncertainty, it starts with creating space for people to speak up, think differently, and learn boldly together.Organizational CultureShare this resourceShare on LinkedInShare on FacebookShare on XShare on WhatsAppEmail this PageConnect with usChange isnt easy, but we can help. Together well create informed and inspired leaders ready to shape the future of your business.Contact usLatest InsightsTalent ManagementScale Innovation with Speed: The ABCs of Leading InnovationInnovation is an organization-wide capability requiring leaders who can foster collaboration, experimentation, and execution at Read more: Scale Innovation with Speed: The ABCs of Leading InnovationArticleStrategic AlignmentWhy the Tortoise Doesnt Win Anymore: Speed to Skill as a Competitive AdvantageIn a fast-changing market, sustainable advantage comes from how quickly organizations can identify skill needs, Read more: Why the Tortoise Doesnt Win Anymore: Speed to Skill as a Competitive AdvantageArticleTransformationBreaking Through: People-Centered Transformation Powered by LearningOrganizations can embed learning measures into learning for more immediate impact to enrich the experience Read more: Breaking Through: People-Centered Transformation Powered by LearningArticleFuture of WorkFPT Partners with Harvard Business Impact, Empowering Global Workforce with AI-Driven Learning SolutionsFPT partners with Harvard Business Impact to boost leadership development and talent growth. Read more: FPT Partners with Harvard Business Impact, Empowering Global Workforce with AI-Driven Learning SolutionsNewsThe post Why Psychological Safety Is the Hidden Engine Behind Innovation and Transformation appeared first on Harvard Business Impact.

IntroductionIn the competitive world of game development, performance is key. A game that runs smoothly not only enhances the players experience but also increases the likelihood of positive reviews and higher sales. Unity, one of the most popular game development engines, provides a wealth of tools and techniques to help developers optimize their games. In this blog, well explore practical strategies to maximize performance in Unity, ensuring your game runs efficiently across various devices and platforms.Understanding Performance BottlenecksWhat Are Performance Bottlenecks?Before diving into optimization techniques, its important to understand what performance bottlenecks are. A bottleneck occurs when a particular component of your gamesuch as CPU, GPU, memory, or storagebecomes a limiting factor, causing the entire system to slow down. Identifying and addressing these bottlenecks is crucial for improving overall game performance.Identifying Bottlenecks Using Unity ProfilerUnitys Profiler is an essential tool for diagnosing performance issues. It provides real-time data on how different aspects of your game are performing, including CPU and GPU usage, memory consumption, and rendering time. By analyzing this data, you can pinpoint the exact areas where optimization is needed, such as overly complex scripts, inefficient rendering, or excessive memory usage.Optimizing Graphics and RenderingReducing Draw CallsDraw calls are a major contributor to rendering overhead. Each draw call represents a command sent to the GPU to render an object. To reduce the number of draw calls:Use Batching: Unity supports both static and dynamic batching. Static batching groups together objects that dont move, while dynamic batching does the same for objects that do move.Combine Meshes: For objects that share the same material, combining them into a single mesh can significantly reduce draw calls.Use Level of Detail (LOD): Implement LOD techniques to render simpler versions of objects when they are far from the camera, reducing the load on the GPU.Optimizing LightingLighting can have a significant impact on performance, especially in scenes with complex lighting setups. To optimize lighting:Bake Lighting: Pre-compute static lighting using baked lightmaps, which reduces the need for real-time calculations.Use Light Probes and Reflection Probes: Light probes can provide dynamic objects with more realistic lighting without the need for real-time lights, while reflection probes can be used for accurate reflections without impacting performance.Optimize Shadows: Reduce the resolution of shadows, use soft shadows sparingly, and limit the number of shadow-casting lights.Optimizing Scripts and CodeEfficient Use of Update MethodsThe Update() method in Unity is called every frame, making it a potential source of performance issues if not used carefully. To optimize your scripts:Minimize Code in Update(): Keep the code in the Update() method to a minimum. Move non-essential code to less frequently called methods like FixedUpdate() or LateUpdate().Use Coroutines for Non-Critical Tasks: Coroutines can help offload non-critical tasks, spreading them over several frames rather than executing them all at once.Object PoolingObject pooling is a technique where objects are reused instead of being instantiated and destroyed repeatedly. This is particularly useful for objects like bullets, enemies, or particles that are frequently created and destroyed in a game. Implementing object pooling can significantly reduce the strain on the CPU and memory.Memory ManagementReducing Memory UsageEfficient memory management is key to preventing your game from crashing or slowing down, especially on devices with limited resources. Heres how to manage memory more effectively:Use Compression: Compress textures, audio files, and other assets to reduce their memory footprint.Unload Unused Assets: Unity allows you to unload assets that are no longer needed using Resources.UnloadUnusedAssets(). This can free up memory during gameplay.Optimize Texture Sizes: Use appropriate texture sizes for different platforms. For example, mobile games may not require the high-resolution textures needed for PC or console games.Garbage Collection OptimizationGarbage collection (GC) in Unity can cause frame drops if not managed properly. To minimize GC impact:Avoid Frequent Allocations: Reuse objects and data structures whenever possible to reduce memory allocations.Use Object Pools: As mentioned earlier, object pooling helps reduce the number of objects that need to be garbage collected.Optimizing PhysicsSimplify CollidersComplex colliders can slow down the physics calculations in your game. To optimize physics:Use Primitive Colliders: Wherever possible, use simple colliders like boxes, spheres, or capsules instead of mesh colliders.Optimize Collision Layers: Unity allows you to define collision layers to control which objects can collide with each other. This can reduce unnecessary collision checks.Adjust Physics SettingsUnitys physics settings can be adjusted to balance performance and realism:Lower the Fixed Timestep: The fixed timestep determines how often physics calculations are performed. Reducing the frequency can improve performance, but be careful not to compromise the realism of your game.Disable Unused Physics Features: If your game doesnt require certain physics features (e.g., gravity, friction), disable them to save processing power.Optimizing for Multiple PlatformsPlatform-Specific SettingsUnity allows you to customize settings for different platforms, ensuring that your game performs well across various devices:Adjust Quality Settings: Tailor the quality settings (e.g., texture resolution, anti-aliasing) to match the capabilities of each platform.Use Asset Bundles: Asset bundles allow you to load platform-specific assets at runtime, reducing the overall build size and ensuring that only necessary assets are included.Testing on Target DevicesAlways test your game on the actual devices it will be running on. Emulators and simulators can give you an idea of how your game will perform, but nothing beats real-world testing.ConclusionOptimizing a game in Unity requires a strategic approach, focusing on graphics, code efficiency, memory management, and platform-specific settings. By identifying bottlenecks with Unitys Profiler, making smart choices in your rendering and scripting, and continuously testing on target devices, you can ensure that your game runs smoothly and efficiently, providing a seamless experience for players.Resources for Further LearningUnity Learn: Performance OptimizationDescription: A collection of tutorials and resources on optimizing performance in Unity.Link: Unity Learn Performance OptimizationUnity Profiler DocumentationDescription: Official documentation on using the Unity Profiler to identify and solve performance issues.Link: Unity Profiler DocumentationBrackeys: Unity Optimization TipsDescription: A YouTube tutorial by Brackeys that covers various tips and tricks for optimizing games in Unity.Link: Brackeys Unity Optimization TipsUnity Manual: Batching and Draw Call OptimizationDescription: Detailed guide on reducing draw calls through batching techniques in Unity.Link: Unity Manual BatchingGame Optimization Techniques for UnityDescription: A comprehensive article on different optimization techniques you can apply in Unity.Link: Game Optimization Techniques for UnityThese resources will help you dive deeper into the world of Unity optimization, ensuring that your games perform well across all platforms.

Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) today unveiled the September schedule for Friday Night Baseball.

Apple's "Awe Dropping" iPhone 17 event on September 9, 2025 will be streamed around the world with multiple ways to watch live. Here's how to tune in.How to watch Apple's Awe Dropping' iPhone 17 launch liveApple is hosting its annual iPhone keynote at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, on Tuesday, September 9, starting at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The company will showcase its newest iPhone lineup and other products, with millions expected to tune in.As far as what's coming, expect the full iPhone 17 lineup, including a new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air that replaces the older iPhone Plus model. The phones are expected to get a design refresh with a horizontal camera bar and new color options ranging from pastels to deep blue and burnt orange. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.Countryside houses in the United Kingdom are generally known for their close relationship with nature and their traditional textures, which reflect the history and local culture of rural areas. However, the increasing popularity of contemporary architecture has begun to influence the design of houses in these regions too. This shift towards contemporary styles aims to blend innovative design with the existing natural landscape, creating a balance between progress and preservation.Contemporary countryside architecture also emphasizes a balance between respecting its surroundings and incorporating modern functionality, which often results in unique and innovative residential structures. There are many excellent examples of this architectural evolution, showcasing how modern design can coexist with the rural environment and respect its traditional roots while embracing new technological and aesthetic advancements.One such example is Mill Hide, a modern country house designed by Poulson Architecture and located in the village of Melbourne, Cambridgeshire. The project stands out with its sculptural form, ecological sensitivity, and innovative use of materials. The design was awarded as the Popular Choice Winner in the Residential Private House (L 4000 6000 sq ft) category for the 13th Architizer A+Awards.An Exceptional Contemporary Countryside HomeMill Hide by Poulson Architecture, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom | Popular Choice Winner, Private House (L 4000 6000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsMill Hide is an exceptional house in the countryside that received planning approval under the 2019 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 79 in 2021. According to RIBA, obtaining permission through Paragraph 79 is a difficult process. To be approved, a proposals design must be of exceptional quality, meaning it should be truly outstanding or innovative, reflecting the highest standards in architecture, and contributing to improved design standards in rural areas.But this also offers architects a chance to innovate with housing designs, making them distinctive for rural environments. An example of this is Mill Hide, built in 2023 by its architect for personal use, showcasing unique integration with its setting.Design Approach and Landscape IntegrationMill Hide by Poulson Architecture, Cambridgeshire, England, UK | Popular Choice Winner, Residential Private House (L 4000 6000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsThe building features a monolithic sculptural form that consolidates all the amenities typically found in a country home, diverging from traditional styles also sited within a natural wetland landscape. Its design draws inspiration from various countryside houses and structures that are outstanding examples worldwide and throughout history, with a particular nod to Andrea Palladios 16th-century Villa La Rotonda (aka Villa Capra), and, more contemporary, the large scale landscape sculptures of the American minimalist artist Richard Serra.The external sculptural form is expressed through Corten steel rainscreen cladding, where the steel panels are folded at corners and around openings, with concealed support systems and minimal joints, approximately 340 panels that fuse through oxidation. This use of weathered steel not only provides a durable and low-maintenance exterior but also creates a raw, material-driven aesthetic. In fact, the structures monumental presence and the tactile qualities of its weathered steel surface recall the work of Richard Serra, whose large-scale steel sculptures similarly command space through form, weight, and material integrity. Like Serras works, the house creates a contrast between material and landscape.Also, the Corten weathering steel was locally made by workshop teams known by the architect, who was also the client, owner, and occupier.Meanwhile, the landscape and ecological diversity of the site inspired a design that harmonizes with the surroundings, enhancing and extending the habitat for the bordering RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) Nature Reserve.Complex MinimalismAdditionally, the house has excellent airtightness, insulation above standards, a single air-source heat pump behind cladding, a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system, spacious plant rooms, thin film photovoltaics, and passive solar shading. Its simple square design enhances these features, isnt it so cool?Central to the proposal is an elegant, modern home set within a natural, largely undisturbed landscape, emphasizing minimalism over complexity. The buildings orientation maximizes natural light, with the plans diagonals aligned with the cardinal points, allowing sunlight to illuminate all four sides throughout the day. A colonnade along the southeast and southwest elevations provides vital solar shading and enhances the space.Also, the layout of the floor plan and internal spaces was designed to support long-term living and flexibility for future generations, with minimal internal structures and fixed elements, aiming to create a sustainable, adaptable home.The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.The post From Andrea Palladio to Richard Serra: Poulson Architecture Reinvents the Classic Country Villa appeared first on Journal.

Photography is a medium filled with endless creative possibilities, and one captivating technique stands out: multiple exposures. By layering two or more images into a single photograph, you can introduce visual rhythm, tell compelling stories, and create unique, dreamlike effects.Ready to explore how multiple exposures can elevate your photography? Lets dive in!The Artistic Appeal of Multiple ExposuresMultiple exposure photography combines different images to produce intriguing, layered visuals that cant be captured in a single shot. Unlike standard photography, this technique blends scenes, textures, and movements, creating rhythm and harmony within a frame.The results often appear poetic or surreal, engaging viewers by challenging their perception and inviting deeper exploration.Essential Techniques for Creating Visual RhythmTo create visual rhythm effectively through multiple exposures, consider these fundamental methods:Repetition and Patterns: Using repetitive elements across exposures helps establish a rhythmic, visual cadence. Repeated shapes, textures, or subjects create cohesive layers, guiding the viewers eye seamlessly through your composition.Balancing Contrast: Combine images with complementary contrastslike sharp and soft textures or dynamic and static scenesto produce engaging visual interactions. This approach enhances depth and strengthens the rhythmic connection between layers.Thoughtful Composition: Pay close attention to how you position subjects across each exposure. Effective composition ensures clarity in your storytelling, enhances visual rhythm, and prevents chaotic or overly abstract results.Choosing the Right Camera SettingsCreating multiple exposures requires precise camera settings. Here are some recommended guidelines:In-Camera Multiple Exposure Mode: Many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have built-in modes for combining exposures seamlessly.Manual Exposure: Adjust exposure manually to prevent overexposed or overly dark images.Consistent Aperture and ISO: Keep aperture and ISO settings consistent across shots to maintain uniform brightness and depth-of-field.Experiment with Shutter Speed: Varying shutter speeds allows for creative manipulation of motion blur and sharpness.Recommended Equipment for Multiple Exposure PhotographyGreat results in multiple exposures come easier with the right gear:Tripod: Ensures precise alignment and stability across images, particularly beneficial when capturing landscapes or architectural scenes.Remote Trigger: Minimizes camera shake, especially useful for detailed compositions.Neutral Density Filters: Allows longer shutter speeds or wider apertures without overexposure, opening creative possibilities.Editing Software: Applications like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom enable further refinement of your final image composition.Creative Ideas to Inspire Your Next ShootSeeking inspiration? Consider these themes to create compelling multiple exposures:Portraits and Nature: Blend faces with natural elements (leaves, branches, or landscapes) for surreal, expressive portraits.Urban Rhythms: Combine images of architectural details and bustling streets to reflect the citys dynamic rhythm.Movement and Stillness: Merge static scenes with images of motion (e.g., dancers, traffic) for a visually engaging contrast.Expert Tips for Mastering Multiple ExposuresFollow these tips to achieve impressive multiple exposure images:Visualize Before Shooting: Plan your compositions by visualizing how multiple images might layer effectively.Balance Simplicity and Complexity: Avoid overly cluttered compositions by carefully choosing subjects and backgrounds.Experiment Frequently: Creativity thrives through trial and errortest various subjects, angles, and settings.Use Editing to Enhance: Fine-tune opacity, contrast, and alignment during post-processing to strengthen visual rhythm.Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid ThemMultiple exposures can pose challenges. Be mindful to avoid these common mistakes:Lack of Clarity: Keep your main subjects clear and recognizable; too much layering can make images confusing.Exposure Errors: Maintain consistent exposures across images to avoid unwanted brightness variations.Misaligned Images: Use a tripod or carefully compose each shot to ensure alignment.Final Thoughts: Let Your Creativity FlowCreating visual rhythm with multiple exposures unlocks new creative dimensions. With practice, thoughtful planning, and experimentation, youll produce intriguing, rhythmic images that captivate and inspire your audience.Start exploring the fascinating possibilities of multiple exposures today, and redefine how you see photography!Extended reading:4 Ways for Photographers to Overcome Creative SlumpsThe post Creating Visual Rhythm with Multiple Exposures appeared first on 500px.

Separator node splits input instances into 2 groups by random selection or by texture filter.Splitted instances can be modified independentlywith modifier nodes, like changing material, instances objects, transformation or any other modifications.Following examples show splitted instances with replaced material.Percentage option splits instances randomly with specified proportion.Map option split instances by texture values.Invert map inverts splitting distribution.Map threshold sets texture threshold value for splitting.Map randomness gives texture values randomization for splitting.

Full Circle has announced that Skate will enter early access on September 16th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC. Check out the latest trailer below, which showcases the massive environments and zaniness that players can look forward to.While Skate will be free to play, the question, as always, is how much early access offers and how long it will last. Theres no fixed timeline for the latter, but Full Circle expects a full release approximately a year after. For now, players can expect all the fundamentals of the franchise (with improvements to the Flick-It system) and tons of content in the open-world city of San Vansterdam.Servers will accommodate up to 150 players with cross-play and cross-progression supported. Skateboarding spots abound, but you can also partake in seasonal events, challenges, and missions with customization options for characters and decks. Regarding the future, players can expect new features, live events, and improvements based on feedback. Stay tuned for more details and a potential roadmap once early access goes live.

ActuGaming.net Il n’y a pas besoin d’une PS6 dans un futur proche selon Naoki Yoshida (Final Fantasy XIV et XVI) Les cinq premières années de cette génération sont passées tellement vite qu’il est facile d’avoir […] L'a

Thank you for attending ourSONA x EmAGN Portfolio Night!We are planning further Portfolio workshops based on the feedback we get back from attendees. So, we would love to hear your feedback regarding this event. Please take your time to fill out the feedback form below. Sorry. This form is no longer available. The post Feedback sought SONA x EmAGN Portfolio Night appeared first on Australian Institute of Architects.